Kit, kit, and even more kit!

Now that I've confirmed the dates for my Level One training (yay!), I've been sent my basic kit list. Looking at it though, I noticed it was missing a few important things, like a sleeping bag liner, a swimming costume and a waterproof watch. 

With the help of Mirigli: The Great Escape to the Oceans, a seasoned pro from the 11-12 Clipper Race, I came up with the list below. This list is my starting point, and I'm sure it will be trimmed as I go through training and discover what I really need and what's just a waste of space. It's important to keep weight in mind as well, as typically crew are only allowed 20kg each for their whole trip - a heavy ship is a slow ship, and it is a race after all!

Think I've missed something crucial or have something listed that I'll never use? Let me know in the comments below!

Recommended Kit List

Foul weather gear

• GORE-TEX Ocean Pro Smock
• GORE-TEX Ocean Pro Hi-Fit Trouser
• Rio Jacket
• Breaker Soft-Shell Jacket
• Fast-Dri Silver Polo

The above is provided by Henri Lloyd as part of the Clipper Basic Kit Package.

Clothing

• Thermal base layer (merino wool)
• Long sleeved top x 2
• Legging style bottoms x 2
• Mid-layer jumpers (long-sleeves, quick drying, fleecy, synthetic fibres, breathable) x 2
• Mid-layer bottoms (breathable) x 2
• Mid-layer waterproof jacket x 1
• Shorts (quick drying) x 1
• Swimming costume x 1
• Woolly hat/beanie x 1
• Hat (wide brimmed/peaked) x 1
• Neck warmer/Buff (quick drying) x 1
• Gloves (close fitting and quick drying) x 2

Footwear

• Socks (synthetic)
• Thin, high wicking x 5
• Thicker insulated x 3
• Rubber soled deck shoes (non-marking soles) x 1
• Sailing boots (durable, heavyweight rubber boots with thick neoprene lining) x 1
• Gaiters (knee high) x 1

Additional Kit

• Sleeping bag (4 season, synthetic fibres and quick drying) x 1
• Bivvy bag (lightweight, breathable and waterproof) x 1
• Sleeping bag liner (silk, rectangular) x 1
• Stretch terry fitted sheet (single) x 1
• Pillow (small with waterproof cover) x 1
• Rucksack (60l, waterproof) x 1
• Dry bags
• 30l x 1
• 20l x 1
• 12l x 2
• 5l x 2
• Head torch (weatherproof with option of red light) x 2
• Sailing knife (folding, locking blade openable with one hand, with a blunt tip, and some of the blade must be serrated) x 1
• Waterproof watch (non-corroding with stopwatch and alarm features) x 1
• Carabiners/ S-biners (non-corroding) x 5
• Water bottle (0.75l) x 1
• Travel bungee washing line x 1
• Towel (quick drying) x 1
• Laundry bag (large, thin stuff bag) x 1
• Sun protection (spray, SPF 35+) x 4
• Sunglasses (prescription, polarised) x 2
• Handheld electric fan x 1
• Personal toiletries, medication and spare glasses

If you would like to donate any of the items above (new or good quality second hand), please contact me using the form here to discuss the various rewards I am able to offer Kit Sponsors.